09 August 2009
Streams in the Desert
12/08/09 11:51
Streams in the Desert
Over the past weekend I have been manning a stall at the Ayr Flower Show. We designed the stall to highlight the UK Territory's Watershed Appeal. (More details about Watershed can be found on the UK Territory website.)
As you look at the photo of the stall above, highlighting the life-giving water of Christ flowing into the desert lands, allow God to speak to you through these words from scripture:
Even the wilderness will rejoice in those days. The desert will blossom with flowers. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The desert will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel's pastures and the Plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendour of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those who are afraid, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you."
And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a dear, and those who cannot speak will shout and sing! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the desert.
And a main road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-hearted people will never walk on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there. ... Only the redeemed will follow it. Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to Jerusalem, singing songs of everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and gladness. (Isaiah 35:1-6, 8-10 NLT)
May God bless you richly!
Graeme Parkhill
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Amazing Love!
10/08/09 18:15
Summer Fun – God the Father
I have to admit that I really love the Summer Holidays, and as I am still a child at heart, I am usually right in the middle of whatever the kids are doing. Whether it’s a water fight, the trampoline, or the game of rounders at the park, I still love all that!!! And at 29, I’m not sure that I’m ever going to grow out of the fun and games.
A couple of years ago we had a huge water fight in our street during the summer holidays. The two boys were five and six years old and they were getting absolutely soaked by some of the older girls in the street, who really were just going for the easy targets!! The boys were getting quite upset because they were never able to get near anyone with their little water guns. Seeing how upset my little boys were I just had to do something to make it better! I decided that Graeme and I would have to go out and help the boys to give the girls a soaking. It was a great laugh!! The girls were absolutely drenched, and so were we. Graeme and I had a great night, all in the name of protecting our two little boys!
When I think of how much love Graeme and I feel for our children, and the way we want to guide and protect them from harm, it always causes me to think of the great love that God has for each one of us as his children. The love that I feel for my children is just a fraction of what God’s love is like. So great is the love of God that we are told in scripture that nothing can separate us from the love of God. ‘Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the power of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:38-39). Amazing Love!
It always brings me a feeling of security knowing that nothing can separate me from the love of my Father God. God wants each and every person to be his child. He wants to love you, guide you, and protect you.
I love the words of the song that say of God:
‘O Father of the fatherless,
In whom all families are blessed.
I love the way you Father me.
You gave me life, forgave the past.
Now in your arms I’m safe at last.
I love the way You Father me!
Father me, forever you’ll Father me
And in Your embrace I’ll be forever secure.
I love the way You Father me
God wants to be your Father. Choose to be His child and nothing will ever separate you from His love.
Wendy Parkhill (Captain)
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